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Nothing warms the hearts of golfers more than seeing a local course making a comeback.
Courses can improve in all sorts of ways. Maybe a new superintendent has brought good conditions back more consistently. Maybe a new owner has added new cash flow and energy. Maybe a few upgrades to the clubhouse or bunkers has dramatically changed things.
Whatever the case may be, these courses really impressed golfers with their efforts to do better in 2024. Let's hope they can keep it up in 2025.
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Black Bear Golf Club
Green fee: $28-$62
What they're saying: "After a 10+ year hiatus we decided to give Black Bear another try after hearing that new owners had taken over. It is back and super enjoyable. Probably the best golf value in Northern Michigan." - GolfPass reviewer -
The Captains Club Golf & Event Center
Green fee: $35-$45
What they're saying: "The course has come a long way over the last two years. Love the new carts. Bunkers were in great shape and the overall course was in great shape. Thanks to the new owners for the huge improvement." - mark8486359 -
Bonaventure Golf Club
Green fee: $60-$80
What they're saying: "This course has improved 100% over the last two years. You won't find a better course for the money in Broward county. I highly recommend it." - GolfPass reviewer -
Grey Rock Golf Club
Green fee: $46-$95
What they're saying: "Lived in ATX area for 13 years and finally made it out to Grey Rock. Loved the practice facility and course layout. Place was in fantastic shape as well. Will gladly make the 45 minute drive again to play there." - Btillery -
Oak Knoll Country Club
Green fee: $35-$69
What they're saying: "Course was actually in great condition! New ownership is turning this place around. Fairways were fantastic, rough was nice and fluffy, defining line to separate fairway and rough. The only disappointing part was the greens and some of the tee boxes. A few tee boxes were amazing, and most greens were decent, except a few holes had some craters and sand in the greens. All in all tho, really great course for the money. Give them a couple months on the greens and I think this place will be amazing. Still a good deal though for $44 on a Saturday afternoon!" - btconner -
Winding Ridge
Green fee: $27-$49
What they're saying: "Winding Ridge was in good shape the day we played. I hadn't played there this year so I was pleasantly surprised as it seemed in better shape and better taken care of compared to last year. I would recommend playing golf there." - GolfPass reviewer -
The Links At Stillwater
Stillwater , OklahomaPublicGreen fee: $29-$35
What they're saying: "Upon playing this hidden gem, I ran into the 2 people that make it tick. Brandon and Terry were meticulously manicuring the greens and fairways and are clearly under-appreciated. The fairways were exotically cut by someone who obviously has the talents to work at the likes of Augusta National or Pine Valley. The greens were expertly crafted and rolled much faster and smoother than the so called “country club” across town. Do yourself a favor and give Brandon and Terry’s track a whirl." - BoThomas -
The Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes
Green fee: $30-$70
What they're saying: "Great course with the front and back two very separate experiences. The front intertwines with the home community and the back is in a nature preserve which is beautiful and amazingly quiet. You can spray your driver and not be OB on most holes, but the real challenges lay in the green structures and surrounds. A must-play if you want to be off-island!" - aboushie -
Divide Ranch & Club
Green fee: $59-$109
What they're saying: "We drove from Payson, Arizona to Ridgeway, CO over the mountains on the Million Dollar Highway to see all the Fall colors. We found this club on Golfnow. Secluded location up the mountain with amazing views. The 8000+ elevation made me feel 20 years younger with the extra ball flight. The staff was friendly but admitted they have troubles getting consistent help up in the mountains so good services wouldn’t open until noon. They are in need of better driving range balls but that’s the only thing I could come up with. The course is fun and challenging. Greens were well maintained and consistent in speed. Well worth a Spring or Fall road trip." - barefootcentral -
Mystic Dunes Golf Club
Green fee: $69-$119
What they're saying: "Mystic Dunes is back as a must play track for anyone visiting Orlando and certainly for the locals such as myself. I’ve watched the head groundskeeper resurrect this unique layout and always have enjoyed the staff who are top shelf. Had time for lunch today in the clubhouse and enjoyed the chicken Parmesan sandwich." - GolfPass reviewer -
Shanty Creek - The Summit
Green fee: $22-$50
What they're saying: "It was nice to see that Shanty is putting some money into the Summit. The changes made have been noticeable. New sand in bunkers better cart paths and actually green fairways. For 50 dollars, I’ll play again." - GolfPass reviewer -
Cypress Lakes Country Club
Green fee: $45-$65
What they're saying: "I grew up on cypress lakes and lived out there in the 1990s and early 2000s . I’ve known Ormond, now Cypress Lakes, for 30 years. This course has come along way. They have invested in the course and I can say this is the best shape it has ever been in. Highly recommend." -
Country Club of Johnston County
Smithfield, North CarolinaSemi-PrivateGreen fee: $40-$67
What they're saying: "We really enjoyed this old course. Especially the setting by the lake. The course was in fantastic shape and really had some unique holes on it. I was pleasantly surprised and am really looking forward to playing again. I definitely have a special place in my heart for these older, storied courses." - morrison88 -
The Creek At Hard Labor
Green fee: $22-$58
What they're saying: "Great course for the money! Practice area/range is very good. New greens this year and they play very fast. Excellent scoring opportunities based on tee selection. Super friendly staff. Highly recommend!" - Ken5266081 -
Clearview Park Golf Course
Green fee: $25-$62
What they're saying: "I played many rounds at Clearview recently. I have to say better and better experiences here. The most significant improvement is the course management! The play pace is much more smooth than before. I would recommend to play here!" - keyu6698 -
Treasure Hills Country Club
![Treasure Hill GCC: #5]()
Green fee: $20-$28
What they're saying: "A beautiful Robert Trent Jones design. I started playing this course in 2019 and the conditions were somewhat ok. A new administration is running the course and it is in good conditions and the greens the best they've been since 2019." - robreyes -
Calhoun Elks Lodge & Golf Club
Green fee: $20-$37
What they're saying: "Good value and getting better. I have played here several times this year and they are putting a lot of work into improvements." GolfPass reviewer -
Legend Lake Golf Club
Green fee: $15-$20
What they're saying: "These guys have done a great job getting this course back to its former glory. Great value for a great track - used to be private and it still feels that way when you play it. Legend is now back in our top rotation." - nickdiesel -
Palmetto Hills Golf Club
Green fee: $19-$42
What they're saying: "The improvements this course has made over the past 2-3 years has been incredible. I have played this course close to 40 times in that span, and since last year, it has improved even more. The greens seem to be recently redone and most are in excellent shape. There are perhaps 2 greens that have always been in rough shape, but the rest are great. Leaps and bounds from where they were before; you can tell some serious work was put in. Same can be said for the fairways, which once resembled abandoned fields - fairways are well taken care of. The landscaping on the course and around the clubhouse has also greatly improved; and brand new golf carts with GPS capability were purchased this year. Amazing job Palmetto Hills groundskeeping crew for turning this place around. On top of that, the value for this course is unbelievable. Great place to get some swings in and enjoy an afternoon on a course that has plenty of character. Staff is always friendly. Great job!!!" - GolfPass reviewer -
Crescent Pointe Golf Club
Green fee: $45-$50
What they're saying: "I was blown away by how improved the course is since I played here in January of 2024. It’s a great layout and a tremendous value for the dollars. Had a great chat with Gary in the Pro Shop. Staff is very friendly! I’m definitely coming back!" - Ronkratofil -
The Canyons At Blackjack Ridge
Sand Springs, OklahomaPublic/MunicipalGreen fee: $24-$45
What they're saying: "What a great change of pace from your typical straight forward course. The Canyons has remarkable views and drastic elevation changes. The bent grass greens and sand traps were in excellent condition. The tee boxes and fairways were okay. Lots of hard doglegs and blind shots. Definitely a course where course knowledge will come in handy. If you are looking for something a little different then this is the place for you." - stonesg -
Harbour Pointe Golf Club
![Harbour Pointe GC]()
Green fee: $28-$31
What they're saying: "I am a woman golfer and played from the red tees. I always pick tees to play from according to yardage which was just under 5,000.. I enjoyed the layout, of the course, especially the front nine. Fairways were starting to green up which we did not find on other area courses. Reasonable rate was an added advantage to choosing this course. Enjoyed lunch after at the Pointe restaurant which, again, was very reasonable and very good. Would highly recommend." - Colescottpa -
Avery Ranch Golf Club
Green fee: $49-$120
What they're saying: "I hadn't played Avery in at least 8 months but was pleasantly surprised with the good course conditions. Greens were in really decent shape and rolled smooth. Very different from when I last played here and they were terrible." - rmaneson -
Rose Hill Golf Club
Green fee: $55+
What they're saying: "I had not played this course for 30 years as back then it was not so good. I know there is new ownership and my wife and I wanted to play it. We were very happy with the course conditions and lay out of holes that were interesting and challenging. I think the value is great and the staff was very friendly. I am actually a member of SPCC but enjoy playing courses around the area and I will be back to Rose Hill. Also, the greens were very true and fast the way I like them. Give it a try and I don't feel you will be disappointed. Have fun!" - kpsilveria -
Long Bay Club
Green fee: $59-$77
What they're saying: "Excellent condition with a challenging layout. Course was not tricked up with blind holes or missing fairways. Definitely needs to be on you list of courses to play." - jjollyjr
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